RUGBY FOOTBALL

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22795, 22 August 1939, Page 16

RUGBY FOOTBALL

CANTERBURY TEAM’S FORM “BEST NOT YET SEEN” HAWKE’S BAY SURPRISES Canterbury's Rugby team, expected by , enthusiasts In the province to be one of the best for several seasons, played disappointingly in the first match of its northern tour against Hawke’s Bay at Napier on Saturday. A special correspondent of “The Press,” however, is confident that the team was not seen at its best on Saturday and that It will be more effective in Its remaining matches. He noticed a lack of variety in the attack of the backs, but thought the forwards promised very well. Although there were occasional flashes of brilliance on the part of individual backs, the game was really a keen contest between two hard-working and virile packs, the Bay emerging victorious because of its superior ail-round ability as a division rather than as individuals. Canterbury rarely made good use of the wind, and the tactics of the backs—or father lack of tactics—gave the impression that the team was Imbued with the sole idea of “feeding the wings.” Unfortunately for Canterbury, the Bay threequarters tackled like demons and the forwards were always In close attendance "to the ball - 50 that the visitors could not afford to make mistakes in their handling Towards the end of the game the Canterbury inside backs sought to cut through the defence, but it was too late then, for the Bay forwards had established a sound second line of defence. Backs Disappoint The Canterbury backs failed to live up to their reputation, particularly the threequarters. The visitors had more ball than the Bay. and though McAullffe gave excellent service, the Inside backs were lacking in understanding. Ellis stood flatfooted almost throughout and was painfully slow off the mark, while his handling was anything but accurate. Burgess, the second five-eighths, was more impressive. Towards the end Burgess made several ®feat thrusts. McAullffe and he were quite the best Canterbury backs. Of the three-quarters division Ballantyne was tne pick but he was unable to give his wingers the open spaces they desired. Burgess and Ballantyne would have been pptter advised to use their feet and allow xneir undoubtedly speedy wingers to give chase down the side-line. Cartwright’s Form Cartwright and Roberts were seen at when they gave chase to a rolling ball in the open. Cartwright twice had opportunities, but failed to take them on each occasion. Had he used his weight V*® best advantage and varied his pace slightly, he would have had a royal chance of getting through, but he was dismayed by the tenacious’ tackling of the Bay. Nolan was very sound at full-back. He had plenty to do, and frequently he cleverly side-stepped his way past oncoming forwards to gain valuable territory before getting in his kick. particularly" impressive, the Bay rearguard gave quite" a good performance. Phil Reid was the star of the division, and. Bradley frequently pierced the opposition. Where the Bay backs shone -was in defence. They surprised their supporters in this regard. Dyer, the full-back, gave a brilliant exhibition and effected many excellent clearances. Fast Forwards The forwards of both sides took the honours. They played an exceptionally fast game, with plenty of bright, open play. They indulged in almost as many short-passing bouts as, did the rearguards. The worst featture of the Bay perform--ance was the number of free kicks awarded against several packmen for off-" side play in the scrums, especially in the second spell. Fully a dozen free kicks were awarded to Canterbury for this type of infringement, ’the principal offenders being Bowman and Tori Reid. Despite having plenty of, efficient goalklckers, no goals were registered. . The packing of both sets of forwards was poor, and the referee had difficulty in straightening up the scrums. The fault lay mainly with Canterbury, whose scrum appeared lopsided. The scrums tended to screw, under pressure. However, the Bay forwards were not entirely blameless, the front row being reluctant to “knit’’ with the opposition front row. Canterbury might well have taken a lesson from the Bay foryvards In supporting the backs; It would have saved them a lot of hard work had they done so. The Canterbury forwards Impressed with their potentialities and gave great promise of settling down as an efficient all-round pack. Hearn, Walter, and Chandler performed excellently in the open, the first-mentioned being clever In linking up with the rearguard. Williams, McPhail, and Rhlnd were hard workers in the tight. Williams was also prominent tn the - line-outs, with Chandler and Walter. Rainey, the hooker, enjoyed more than average success. Much of his work, however, was nullified by poor packing, the ball often being a long time in coming clear of the forwards’ feet. For the Bay. McKenzie, Bowman, and Macdonald were easily the best In the open. They bustled the Canterbury backs frequently. : PENINSULA SUB-UNION BEATS MALVERN ANNUAL MATCH PLAYED The annual Rugby Sub-Union representative match, Banks Peninsula v. Malvern, was played at Akaroa, when Peninsula won by 19 points to 11. The Peninsula side showed superior combination in both backs and forwards, and good defensive play by C. Buckley, at full-back, and by Barrett and Doody was the only factor that resulted In Peninsula’s score being kept down. D. Masefield, J. Talnul, and Arthur Cusdin were the chief attacking backs for Peninsula, and P. Ussher, S. Kingston, and R. W. Craw the most prominent forwards. Barrett, for Malvern, was dangerous when he got within striking distance of the line. Milllken was the pick of the Malvern pack, and "his kicking also proved useful for his Bide.

The game was fairly even in the first spell, but in the second half Peninsula was continuously attacking, and only strong defence by the Malvern side stopped them scoring. W. Armstrong (Peninsula) replaced C. Bunker, who was injured near the end of the game. The half-time score was; Peninsula 16. Malvern 8 J. Masefield (2), D. Masefield, and J. Talnui scored tries for Peninsula, two of which Arthur Cusdin converted. L. Mllllken kicked a penalty and converted a try scored b> Barrett for Malvern. In the second spell Milliken kicked another penalty, and Arthur Gusdin kicked one for Peninsula. • The teams were as follows; Malvern—C. Buckley; I. Munroe, B. Doody; Barrett: G; Innes. F. Poison; N. Rothwell; J. Vaughan, C. T. Wilson, R. Borman, L. Milliken', R. Roper, R. Deans (captain). H. Deans, and R. Townsend,

Peninsula—S. Tlni; E. Barwlck, J. Taihul. J. Masefield; R. Carney, D. Masefield; •Arthur Cusdin; P. N. Ussher, R. Bunker, R. Mould, W. Webb. C. Bunker, R. T. Masefield (captain), R. K. Craw, and S. Kingston. Mr W. R. Moore was referee. The visiting team was entertained at a dinner at the Bruce Hotel after the match, when Mr V. Craw, president, of the Banks Peninsula Sub-Union, presided.

DANNEVIRKE WINS SCHOOLS’ TOURNEY truss AsaocuTiox yslsobsx.) WELLINGTON, August 21. The annual secondary schools’ Rugby tournament among the Dannevirke, Hutt Valley, and Waircrapa High Schools and Scots College, concluded to-dky, Dannevirke scoring its fourth successive win, defeating Walrarapa 8-3 in the final. Dannevirke has always been able to put a strapping team into the field, and weight told its tale to-day. Naera, the Dannevirke centre three-quarter, weighed 15st, -and the side.had 13st, and 12st players in the ranks. The teams gave a bright display, the forwards packing • well, and using their Xeet cleverly. The backs passed the' ball With rare, abaqdon.' but deadly tackling glpned many bright' movements in the e III, the game between - teams beaten rfcaturday, Hutt Valley beat Scots Colf e W.

COLLEGE TOURNEY AT WANGANUI

“ CHRIST’S COLLEGE BEATEN IN ‘FINAL (PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) WANGANUI, August 21. Beating Christ’s College by 14 points to 6, Wanganui Collegiate, School won the inter-college tournament which concluded at Wanganui to-day. In the match for “the wooden spoon" Wellington College 12 drew with Nelson College 12. " There was a large attendance, but rain during the final game made the ground heavy. I H&NYUHLY SHIELD CHALLENGE SOUTHLAND TEAM fO MEET ASHBURTON (PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) - INVERCARGILL. August 21. The Southland team to defend th’e Ranfurly Shield against Ashburton on Saturday is:— Full-back. Fleming; three-quarters, Sutherland, Wesney. Mahony; five-eighths, Saxton (captain), Grace; half-back, J. W. Purdue; front row, George, Sherriff, Soper; middle row. Graham, S. E. Purdue, Marshall. Ward; back row. McEwan. SOUTH ISLAND TEAM NOMINEES FROM SOUTH CANTERBURY (PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) TIMARU, August 21. The following South Canterbury playerrhave been nominated for the South Island team:—T. Morrison (left wing). G Mills (lock, back row forward). P. Fitzgerald (side row forward). FIJIAN TEAM ARRIVES (PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) AUCKLAND, August 21. The first native Rugby football team td leave Fiji, comprising 22 players, arrived in the Monowal to-day to play a series of matches in New Zealand, the first at Rotorua on Wednesday against a Bay of Plenty Maori team. The Itinerary includes a test against the Maoris on September 16, at Hamilton. The co-managers, Messrs J. B. K. Taylor and J. H. F. Wiley, said that the team comprised solid young .players, and was expected to give a good account of Itself. The weather is not expected to make as much difference as might be thought, as they had had experience of playing on wet grounds in Fiji. They will sail again on September 18 by the Mariposa on their return. BANKS PENINSULA COMPETITIONS LEAD FOR" AKAROA IN SENIOR GRADE

JUNIOR GAME AT AKAROA y A fast and interesting junior Rugby game was played between Akaroa and Little River, at Akaroa, on Saturday as a curtain-raiser to the Peninsula-Mal-vern sub-unions’ match. Akaroa won by 24 points to 8. The scorers for Akaroa were F. Kotlowski a try which he converted; K. Charterls two" tries, and tries by J. Prendergast, L. Langrope, L. Kearney. and a field goal by N. Prendergast. J Roberts scored a try for Little River which A, Vanstone converted, and Vanstone also kicked a penalty goal. Mr D. P. Jenkins "was referee.

RUGBY LEAGUE MEETING OF EXECUTIVE AUCKLAND TEAM’S VISIT ABANDONED Advice that the proposed visit to Christchurch of an Auckland Rugby League team had definitely been abandoned was received by the executive of the Canterbury Rugby League last night. A letter from the Auckland Rugby League stated that itiwas not possible to select a touring team which would do justice to the province. The suggestion that the executive should take, a definite stand in the matter of rough play was received from the Sydenham Club. The meeting jiecided to recommend to the annual meeting that referees be empowered in minor cases of rough play to stand offending players on the side-line for the remainder of a match. Addington was declared the winner of the Vivian Cup competition, and it was decided to play the challenge match between Sydenham, the holders of the trophy, and Addington on Saturday. P. Wright, a HOrnby forward, who was ordered off during the match with Addington on Saturday, was suspended from playing. Wright did not appear before the executive. The referee said that it was not a bad breach, and he had ordered off Wright for fighting. The draw for next Saturday is as follows Senior Reserve—Sydenham v. Woolston, at Woolston (Mr B. Stanley); Addington v. St. Joseph’s, at ■ Jerrold street (Mr B. Vine); Riccarton a bye. Fourth Grade—Riccarton v. Hornby, at Hornby: Sydenham v. Waimalri, at Bradford Park. Fifth Grade—St. Joseph’s v. Llnwood, at St. Joseph's (Mr R. Lisle); Hornby a bye. The following schoolboys’ team has been chosen to play against a West Coast team at Christchurch:—H. Clark, W. Harris, L. Hack, C. Boyd, J. Graham, D.- Forbes, -R. King, F. Hayes, R. Rockhouse, K. Brown, L. Brown, W. Brown. R. Wyness, S. Blackburn, R Fahey. Players are asked tn attend practice at Jerrold street tonight and on

ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL PRIMARY SCHOOLS’ MATCHES SOUTH ISLAND TOURNAMENT OPENED The South Island primary schools' Association football ‘ournarr. Nt began at Hagley Park yesterday. ' The tournament was officially opened by the. Mayor (Mr R. M. Macfarlane). . . Nine teams took part—four from Canter-bury.-two-from Otago, and one each from South' Canterbury, Westland' and Buller. Results, of games in both divisions Were: Light-weight—Morning: Canterbury A 5, Canterbury-B1 (referee, Mr J. Adams); South Canterbury 10, Westland 0 (Mr P. T. H. Bell): Buller 2." Otago 1 (Mt G. Cox). Afternoon: Canterbury B 4, Westland 0; Canterbury A 8, Otago -0; Buller 3, South Canterbury 0.

Because of the withdrawal of the Westland team, only one game was played in

the heavy-weight section. The result was: Otago 6, Canterbury B 0. Matches for to-day, at Hagley. Park, are; Light-weight—lo a.m., Otago v. Westland, Canterbury’ A v. Buller; 11 a.m., South Canterbury v. Canterbury B; 2 p.m., Westland v. Buller, South Canterbury v. Canterbury A, Otago v. Canterbury B. Heavy-weight—2 p.m., Canterbury A v. Canterbury B, Otago v. Hornby (friendly). The draw for to-morrow is:—

. Light-weight—lo a.m., Buller v. Canter-, bury B; 11 a.m.. South Canterbury v. Otago; Westland v. Canterbury A. Heavy-weight—lo a.m., Canterbury A v. Otago;. At English Park two Otago Boys’ High School teams will play two "teams from Christchurch secondary schools. The matches will be3o, Otago Boys' High School juniors v. Christchurch secondary schools’ juniors: 3 p.m., Otago High School first eleven v. Christchurch "secondary schools" seniors. . The Christchurch secondary schools' "teams , will be: — • _■ Senior—R. Davey, G. Gibson, R. Smith," J* ‘Cook, D, Smith, J. Humphreys, M. Cruthers, H. Tallott, C. Bailey, K. Lucas, T. Hadlee, and L. Baggott. Junior—R. M. Parker, M. J. Miuogue, J. R. Erikson, R. L. Riddell, R. W. Riddell, R. J. Genet, J. R. Knotts, W. H. Gourley, K. Sewell, M. J. Glue, R. C." Dixie; emergency. J. Young. PROVINCIAL PRIMARY SCHOOL MATCHES • The following are- the results of the Interprovincial Association . football matches played by. primary schools at Hagley Park yesterday:— Light-weight—Canterbury A 5-, Canterbury B 1: South Canterbury 10, Westland 1; Buller 2. Otago 1; Canterbury B 4. Westland 0; Buller 3, South Canterbury 0; Canterbury A 3. Otago* 0. Heavy-weight—Otago 6. Canterbury B 0.

In the Banks Peninsula Rugby senior shield competition the position of the teams is as follows:— P. W. L.' D. F. A. Pts. Akaroa ... 10 9 0 1' 153 25 9J Little River .. 10 7 2 1 97 64 7i United Bays .. 11 3 8 0 60 98 3 Eastern Bays 11 1 10 0 40 163 1 Akaroa has to play Eastern Bays on September 2, and if it wins it will win the competition.. The Akaroa and United Bays Clubs are now even in points in the junior competition. and the deciding game will be played at Duvauchelle on September 2./The points are as follows:— ' ■ ■ P. W. L. D., P. A. Pts. United Bays 7 4 2 1 83 33 4 Akaroa .. 7 4 3 0 70 70 4 Little River .. 8 2 5 1 58 108 2